Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #7

For Southern California's dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, finding a truly secluded and free camping spot can feel like discovering a hidden gem. The Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #7, nestled high in the beautiful San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest near Anza, offers exactly this opportunity. Yellow Post Sites are a unique program developed by the Forest Service, providing designated, primitive, and complimentary camping locations, giving local users a crucial alternative to crowded, reservable, developed campgrounds.

Site #7 is one of a series of approximately eleven Yellow Post Sites scattered along the rough, unpaved Forest Road 6S13 on Thomas Mountain. These sites are a haven for the self-sufficient camper, favoring those who come fully prepared to operate without modern amenities. The fundamental appeal of Site #7, like its counterparts further up the ridge, is the **guarantee of a single-party experience**—meaning you will not be sharing your designated area with other camping groups, maximizing privacy and tranquility.

While the camping itself is free, the cost of access is vehicle capability. Visitors to Site #7 must be prepared for the journey up the mountain ridge. Unlike Site #1, which is more accessible, Yellow Post Sites #2 through #11, including Site #7, are located further along the increasingly rugged fire road. This means a **high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended**, and four-wheel drive (4WD) may be necessary, particularly after poor weather conditions have deteriorated the road surface. This challenging access is often considered a benefit, as it naturally filters out the less-prepared crowds and preserves the quiet nature of the site for those who make the effort.

Choosing Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #7 means embracing the principles of Leave No Trace, as there are no trash facilities, no running water, and minimal amenities. This is authentic backcountry car camping, offering Southern Californians a genuine escape into the high-altitude wilderness with cooler temperatures and a sky full of stars.

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #7 is geographically located within the San Jacinto Mountains, a towering, pine-forested region within the San Bernardino National Forest. The site is situated near the rural community of Anza, California, offering a mountain retreat that is easily accessible (though ruggedly so) from the greater Inland Empire and coastal Southern California regions.

• Location Name: Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #7 (Part of the Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites)
• Responsible Forest: San Bernardino National Forest, San Jacinto Ranger District
• Approximate Address: J8F9+3V, Anza, CA 92561, USA (This is an approximate Plus Code location for GPS navigation in a remote area)

The accessibility is defined by the quality of the forest road, known as Thomas Mountain Road (Forest Road 6S13):

• Road Conditions: The site is accessed via an unpaved dirt and gravel fire road that becomes increasingly rough past Yellow Post Site #1. Visitors frequently report sections with ruts, rocks, and washouts.
• Vehicle Requirements: A **high-clearance vehicle is strongly advised** for any vehicle attempting to reach Site #7. While a 2WD vehicle might make it when the road is dry, 4WD is the safer choice to navigate the steep and deteriorated sections of the ridge. The road is not suitable for large RVs or long trailers.
• Proximity to Towns: The town of Anza is the closest source for fuel and basic supplies, while Idyllwild is another nearby mountain community offering a wider range of services.

As a primitive Yellow Post Site, Site #7 offers basic infrastructure for a true "boondocking" experience. Campers must arrive prepared to be completely self-reliant for their duration of stay.

• Fire Ring: Each Yellow Post Site is marked by a designated metal fire ring and a yellow post. Campfires are only allowed within this ring, and only during periods when fire restrictions permit their use.
• Picnic Table: Most Yellow Post Sites include a single picnic table for convenience.
• Maximum Stay Limit: Camping is permitted for a maximum of **14 consecutive days** within any 30-day period.
• Group and Vehicle Limits: Sites are strictly limited to a single party of no more than **eight persons** and a maximum of **two vehicles**.
• NO Water: There is absolutely no potable or non-potable water available at the site. Campers must pack in all drinking, cooking, and sanitation water.
• NO Restroom Facilities: There are no vault or pit toilets at this remote site. Campers must practice proper wilderness sanitation, including burying human waste in a 6-inch deep 'cat hole' located at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites.
• NO Trash Service: This is a mandatory "Pack It In, Pack It Out" area. All trash, food scraps, and waste must be securely stored and removed from the site upon departure.

For the prepared California camper, the austere nature of Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #7 is its greatest asset, offering valuable features not found in developed areas.

• Ultimate Seclusion: The site's remote position further up the rugged mountain road ensures significant distance from other campers, providing a level of privacy unmatched by most developed Southern California campgrounds.
• Free of Charge: The absence of camping fees allows for extended, budget-friendly stays within a beautiful National Forest setting.
• First-Come, First-Served Access: No reservations are needed. While it is popular, dedicated users who arrive early on weekdays often secure the spot.
• Access to Forest Activities: The site serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the Thomas Mountain Trail, which is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road driving along the forest roads.
• High-Elevation Climate: Enjoy significantly cooler temperatures compared to the low desert and valley floors, offering a comfortable retreat during the warm seasons.
• Pets Welcome: Responsible pet owners are welcome to bring their dogs to enjoy the wilderness, provided they are kept under control and all waste is properly disposed of.

For the most current information on road conditions, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions—which are subject to frequent change in the San Bernardino National Forest—it is critical to contact the San Jacinto Ranger District directly before planning your trip.

• Responsible Ranger District: San Jacinto Ranger District (San Bernardino National Forest)
• Main Forest Phone: (909) 382-2921 (Best contact for up-to-date conditions)
• Mobile Phone: +1 909-382-2921
• Address of the Site (Approximate): J8F9+3V, Anza, CA 92561, USA

Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Site #7 is worth choosing for the discerning California camper who is not only seeking solitude but is also committed to responsible, self-sufficient camping. If you own a **high-clearance, 4WD-capable vehicle** and possess the necessary gear and knowledge to operate entirely off-grid for up to two weeks, this is a premier destination. You are choosing this site for the ability to disconnect from the busy life of Southern California, trade the noise of the city for the sounds of the high mountain forest, and enjoy a private campsite that feels truly remote. It is a fantastic option for overlanding enthusiasts, serious hikers, and those who adhere strictly to the Leave No Trace ethic, providing the freedom of dispersed camping with the benefit of a designated fire ring and picnic table (when conditions permit).

Thomas Mountain - Yellow Post Site #7

J8F9+3V, Anza, CA 92561, USA